Nov. 2, 2023 – ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA) Foundation’s Institute for Postal Studies is releasing its 2023 U.S. Mailing Industry Economic Job Study, which reveals overall industry impact remains strong thanks to growth in e-commerce-driven parcel delivery.

In 2022, the industry accounted for approximately 7.9 million jobs and $1.9 trillion in sales revenue. This includes employment at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), private delivery companies, printers, publishers, packaging manufacturers, and paper manufacturers that rely on the Postal Service as a supply chain partner.

Key U.S. mailing industry findings include:

• 7.9 million jobs represent 5% of the country’s total civilian labor force
• $1.9 trillion in sales revenue accounts for 4.1% of U.S. total output
• Overall jobs increased 8% from 2018 to 2022 due to more packaged products being delivered through the mail stream
• From 2018 to 2022, jobs associated with traditional mail (which continues to provide the majority of USPS volume and revenue) dropped by 7%, totaling a loss of 409,400 jobs, whereas packaging jobs grew by 65% or almost 1 million jobs.
• Private sector delivery (UPS, FedEx, last mile delivery services, etc.) has grown 57% since 2018 due to parcel delivery, which accelerated during the pandemic thanks to online shopping and remote working

“The U.S. mailing industry is a critical component of the modern American economy and a part of every community. We believe postal reforms are needed to ensure the U.S. Postal Service and mailing industry remain viable. While package growth and increasing competition are good news, mail related jobs and revenue are declining and at greater risk. Ensuring predictable and affordable postage rates for mailers is one step that will encourage stability in the mailing industry. Rate stability will encourage consumers and businesses to continue to mail and provide access to the millions of Americans that depend on an affordable and reliable USPS,” said Marie Clarke, EMA President.

“It’s clear that the mailing industry is a key economic driver, which is even more reason to protect the U.S. Postal Service and its ability to keep delivering,” said former Congressman Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.), executive director of Keep US Posted, a nonprofit advocacy group that opposes postage rate increases and efforts to slow the mail. “USPS must do a better job of protecting its traditional mail business, which is its most important asset and a critical service for the American people. Traditional mail still accounts for the majority of volume and revenue for USPS, and its market share for packages is not increasing enough to make up for declines. USPS should work on stabilizing its traditional mail business and retaining customers, instead of continuing to cannibalize it with unprecedented postage hikes that price mail out of the system.”

The study analyzes the most recent data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Postal Service, and Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Affairs. You can access the full report at: https://www.envelope.org/emaf/institute-for-postal-studies/

EMA is the world’s largest association devoted exclusively to the envelope manufacturing and paper-based communications industry. The EMA Foundation for Paper-Based Communications supports the paper-based communications industry by conducting research and education initiatives to inform stakeholders on postal and environmental matters.

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Marie Clarke Appointed President of EMA

Dynamic Association Executive to Advocate for Paper-Based Communications Industry

Alexandria, VA – May 16, 2023 – EMA, the world’s largest association devoted exclusively to the envelope manufacturing and paper-based communications industry, announced today that Marie Clarke has been named President. Clarke is an accomplished association leader who has spent her career representing industry and stakeholder interests in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial process as it relates to consumer products, the environment, and international policy.

In her new role, Clarke will direct all aspects of the Association’s operations, overseeing strategic long-range planning, membership development and engagement, industry advocacy, financial stewardship, and staff development. In addition, she will provide leadership for the Association’s sister organizations: the EMA Foundation and the Global Envelope Alliance (GEA).

“We are confident Marie’s leadership and advocacy skills will support EMA’s continued leadership role in the paper-based communications industry,” observed Derek Waterhouse, Chairman of the EMA Board. “With her years of experience in associations and infectious energy, she will be a great leader who will take EMA to new heights in the future.”

Prior to joining the EMA, she was the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs with the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), where she was responsible for advocacy on behalf of mattress manufacturers and suppliers. While at ISPA, Clarke also served as the Vice President of Industry and External Affairs for the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), an industry supported nonprofit that operates mattress stewardship programs.

Prior to ISPA and MRC, Clarke held a similar role with the American Coatings Association (ACA), the trade association for the paint industry, and PaintCare, the industry product stewardship organization. At ACA, Marie also served as Counsel to the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC, now the World Coatings Council), facilitating the exchange of information and cooperation on key issues and priorities facing the paint and printing ink industries worldwide.

In addition to her trade association experience, Clarke has worked in private practice and on several political campaigns. Clarke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Villanova University and her Juris Doctorate from the Delaware Law School in Wilmington, DE. She is admitted to the practice of law in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.

About EMA

Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, EMA is the unified voice of the envelope and paper-based communications industry. It is the single largest trade resource and recognized representative for envelope manufacturers and printers, forms companies, packaging companies, market intermediaries, and the suppliers that support these companies. Since 1933, the EMA has been promoting the protection, representation, and growth of the industry through state, national, and global advocacy, market research, networking, and specialized education. EMA has 108 member companies and is led by a 12-member Board of Directors. EMA For more information, visit www.envelope.org

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